What would you do if it were your fault that your cousin is in a coma? I received a bunch of books all at the same time as Cyclone, but it jumped to the top of my list when I read the blurb.

1. Squinks, I can’t imagine feeling the kind of guilt that Nora does. It would be so overwhelming that I wouldn’t be able to breathe. Not only does she feel guilty, but she can’t tell anyone why Riley agreed to ride a roller coaster she was afraid of to begin with.

2. I love that Nora and Riley have a really close relationship. I have cousins I love and speak to from time to time, but they live far away, and we only see each other maybe once a year. How lucky that these girls are close enough in age to find a friend in one another.

3. Okay, so I was lured in by Doreen Cronin’s blurb at the back of the book, but I have to tell you … she had me hooked to the story from the get-go. I really liked how easy it was to put myself in Nora’s shoes. Every time a chapter ended, I just wanted to know more: Will she ever reveal what forced Riley to ride the Cyclone with her? Who is that mystery guy? Will Riley get better?

4. I loved, loved, loved, the storyline around the three sisters. It adds an interesting and emotional layer to Riley’s ordeal. I really enjoyed the idea that it takes Riley’s situation to bring the sisters back together again. The three of them have such different personalities, but can they find a common thread? Sisters. Family. Love it.

5. The scenes where Riley talks to Sophia in Spanish broke my heart. I teared up a bit, thinking about how Nora’s heart must have been breaking, too. All the feels.

6. Parents/teachers, there are so many teachable moments in this story, from how to deal with guilt, how to handle secrets, the oddness that is family, and even how to talk to people who have family members in the hospital.